Haas should visit the Lotus facilities in Enstone

On the sidelines of the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, there is some backstage activity. The American team Haas Formula, which was granted permission by the FIA to compete on the starting grid in 2015, although their entry might be delayed until the 2016 season, is reportedly – according to Sky Sports – showing a keen interest in the facilities at Enstone, in Great Britain, currently used by Lotus.

Former world champion Damon Hill, consultant for the channel, discusses the induction of this team: « Obviously, what Gene wants is an American team, which would be good for F1. It is very difficult to imagine it working if the cars were designed in America, far from where things happen ». A question that has already been raised, notably by Juan-Pablo Montoya, former Williams and McLaren driver, now in IndyCar, or by two other former F1 drivers, John Watson and Johnny Herbert.

Despite a fourth place in the Constructors’ World Championship last season, Lotus is facing financial difficulties. Kimi Räikkönen, tired of not being paid by the British team, left to join Ferrari. This week, again, Renault indicated that some of its clients were not paying on time; attention then turned towards the Enstone team.

However, Gene Haas is determined to launch his 100% USA team: “We have partners we will work with in Europe,” he stated at a press conference. “Locating our headquarters in Europe wouldn’t align with what we want to do because the team’s headquarters must be based in the United States.”

Moreover, the owner of the NASCAR team Stewart Haas Racing is already in discussions with Dallara to become the chassis supplier for his team. Lotus F1 Team could become Haas’s partner, an attractive partnership for both parties.